Sweeny exits US Open to end Australia’s singles chances

Darren Walton |

Australian wildcard Dane Sweeny’s fairytale US Open run has ended in the third round.
Australian wildcard Dane Sweeny’s fairytale US Open run has ended in the third round.

Dane Sweeny’s gallant US Open campaign has come to a frustrating end with a tough third-round loss to seeded Italian Luciano Darderi.

Sweeny complained of a hip injury during a 6-4 6-3 6-3 defeat to the world No.22 that left Australia without a second-week singles hopes in New York for the first time in five years.

Alex de Minaur’s shock second-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp had left Sweeny as Australia’s last man standing at Flushing Meadows.

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Luciano Darderi reacts during his win over Dane Sweeny. (AP PHOTO)

The world No.123 only gained a last-minute entry following two late withdrawals that allowed Tennis Australia to grant Sweeny the reciprocal wildcard they initially handed to Alexei Popyrin.

But Sweeny cashed in on his good fortune, the 25-year-old parlaying his maiden US Open main-draw appearance into a watershed run to the last 32 of a grand slam for the first time.

Despite his exit on Saturday (Sunday AEST), the Queenslander will walk away with a life-changing cheque for $US290,000 ($A402,500) and a fresh career-high ranking.

He is provisionally slated to climb to No.109 in the world.

If he can crack the top 100 by season’s end, Sweeny will earn direct entry to the Australian Open for the first time.

AAP